Sensorineural Hearing Loss

When hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells or other parts of the cochlea, it is called sensorineural hearing loss (sensory loss). The damage makes it more difficult for the cochlea to convert these sound waves into electrical signals.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is a reduction in hearing sensitivity that is caused by interference with the passage of sound through the outer or middle ear. As a result of this interference, the sound is blocked or disrupted. This interference may be caused by several different factors including excessive fluid build-up in the middle ear, perforation of the ear drum, or ossicular chain malfunction.

Mixed Hearing Loss

When hearing loss is caused by a combination of sensorineural and conductive problems, it is called mixed hearing loss.